The Basics of Managing Diabetes

Blood Glucose is the amount of sugar in the blood.  The goals for a person with diabetes:
          A)  Fasting:  80-130 mg/dl
          B)  Before a meal:  80-130 mg/dl
          C)  1-2 hours after a meal:  less than 180 mg/dl
Vocabulary
          A)  Complications:  Diabetes side effects such as damage to heart, blood vessels, eyes, nerves, and kidneys.
           B)  Hypoglycemia:  Low blood sugar.  Occurs when blood glucose is lower than normal, generally <70 mg/dl.
                   SIGNS:
                      1)  Hunger
                      2)  Shaking
                      3)  Nervousness
                      4)  Sweaty
                      5)  Dizzy
                      6)  Tired
                      7)  Confused
           C)  Hyperglycemia:  When blood glucose is above target range
                    EARLY SIGNS:
                      1)  Blurry vision
                      2)  Frequent peeing
                      3)  Thirst
                      4)  Fatigue
                      5)  Headache.
                    ADVANCED SIGNS:
                       1)  Fruity breath
                       2)  Dry mouth
                       3)  Breathless
                       4)  Stomach pain
                       5)  Nausea
                       6)  Vomiting
                       7)  Weakness
                       8)  Confusion
                       9)  Risk for coma
KNOW YOUR NUMBERS
             A1C:  ÅVERAGE BLOOD GLUCOSE:  This test shows glucose control over the past few months.  A normal A1C is Below 5.7%.  GOAL:  Based on the individual.  In general, for a non pregnant person with diabetes:  <7
             BLOOD PRESSURE:  The force of the blood flow in your blood vessels.  GOAL:  <140/90 mmHg.  Be certain to have yours checked at every health care visit.
           CHOLESTEROL:  A waxy, fatlike substance in all body cells.  GOAL:  <200mg/dl.
                           LDL (Bad Cholesterol):  GOAL:  <100mg/dl.
                           HDL (Good Cholesterol):  GOAL:  Women >50mg/dl.
                                                                                             Men >40mg/dl.
        TRIGLYCERIDES:  A type of fat that circulates in the blood.  Elevated levels increase risk for heart disease.  GOAL:  <150mg/dl.
WHAT ARE CARBS:  1) Sugars; 2) Starches: 3)  Fibers:  Sugars and starches make blood glucose rise.  Some fibers slow the absorption of sugar postmeal.  How much should you consume?  GOAL:  Women;  Meal 45-60 g; snack 15g
                                                            Men:  Meal 69-75 g;  snack 15-30g

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